Texans lock up Benardrick McKinney with big contract extension

Texans lock up Benardrick McKinney with big contract extension

The Houston Texans announced they have reached a new contract agreement with inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney.

Terms have not officially been disclosed, but Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports the deal is for five years and $50 million, with $21 million guaranteed. McKinney was scheduled to make just under $1.2 million in 2018.

McKinney was entering the final year of his rookie contract he signed as a second-round pick out of Mississippi State in 2014. He has developed into one of the NFL’s more reliable tacklers and increased his range and versatility with a strong 2017 campaign. He is now the veteran presence in the middle of the Texans defense.

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Under new general manager Brian Gaine, the Texans have carved out enough salary cap room to comfortably afford McKinney’s new contract. Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney figures to be the next pending 2019 free agent to get a deal from the Texans.

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